Brookhaven, GA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Brookhaven, GA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Test for devices
- Plainly audible at or beyond the specified distances
- Vehicle audio in right-of-way
- No continuing noise disturbance at 50 feet
- Venues of 5,000 or more
- 95 dBC average over ten minutes
- Venue limit outside those hours
- 55 dBC
- Permit exemption
- Approved special administrative permit terms (Sec. 16-153(b)(8))
- Third conviction within 24 months
- $1,000.00 fine and alcohol license suspension
Summary
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, Sec. 16-152(b)(1) makes it unlawful to run a radio, television, stereo, musical instrument or amplifier so the sound is plainly audible at or beyond the Table 1 distances from the building, structure or vehicle. Venues holding 5,000 or more people face a separate 95 dBC average limit under Sec. 16-152(d).
(b)Prohibited conduct.(1)Mechanical sound-making devices. It is unlawful for any person to play, use, operate, or permit to be played, used, or operated, any radio receiving device, television, stereo, musical instrument, phonograph, sound, amplifier, or other machines or devices producing, reproducing or amplifying sound and/or at such a volume and in such a manner so as to create, or cause to be created, any noises or sounds which are plainly audible and heard or cause vibrations to property or person at or more than the specified distances above from the building, structure or motor vehicle on private property, unless the property boundaries from which the sound originates is a greater distance than those specified in subsection (a) of this section. In that event, the sound shall not be plainly audible beyond the property boundary. ... (d)In places of public entertainment having a capacity of 5,000 or more persons, it shall be unlawful to create or permit to be created any noise that exceeds an average of 95 dBC in any ten-minute period from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for events commencing ... Friday or Saturday.
Full Breakdown
The core rule is a plainly audible test, not a meter reading. Sec. 16-152(b)(1) covers any radio receiving device, television, stereo, musical instrument, phonograph, amplifier or other machine producing, reproducing or amplifying sound, at such a volume that the sound is plainly audible and heard, or causes vibrations to property or person, at or more than the specified distances from the building, structure or motor vehicle on private property. Where the property boundary is farther out than the distances in subsection (a), the sound cannot be plainly audible beyond the property boundary.
Related subsections use the same test. Party noise under (b)(3) makes the person in charge of a party or social event on private property responsible for keeping the noise from being plainly audible at or beyond the specified distances. Commercial advertising under (b)(4) bars loudspeakers, amplifiers and similar devices cast upon public streets or other public property to attract attention to a building, structure or vehicle at the same audibility distances. Under Sec. 16-154(6), music from a motor vehicle on a public right-of-way or public space cannot create a continuing noise disturbance at 50 feet.
Large venues have a numeric limit. Places of public entertainment with a capacity of 5,000 or more persons cannot exceed an average of 95 dBC in any ten-minute period from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for events commencing Friday or Saturday. The limit at all other times is 55 dBC, measured 500 feet from the center of the sound board or at the property line, whichever is less.
Exemptions: Sec. 16-153(a) exempts municipally sponsored or approved events from subsections (a) and (b), and Sec. 16-153(b)(8) exempts events with amplified sound operating within the time and volume parameters of an approved special administrative permit. The chief of police can grant special variances under Sec. 16-156.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 16-157 sets the fines: not less than $200.00 on a first conviction with a total not exceeding $1,000.00, not less than $500.00 on a second conviction within 12 months, and $1,000.00 on a third within 24 months. A third conviction automatically suspends a restaurant or late night establishment alcohol license, and the municipal court judge can order immediate abatement of the sound source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel number for a speaker at a house in the City of Brookhaven, Georgia?
Do the rules cover car stereos?
What limits apply at a large concert venue?
Can an event with amplified music get an exemption?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brookhaven
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